7 Best Things to Do in Metro Phoenix This Weekend

"New Graduate Student Exhibition" Class is in session, and the graduate students at ASU’s Art School are busy as ever. How else could they present a gallery show a mere month after their first day? Working in media including paint, metal, fibers, and ceramics, 16 artists share their work in the “New Graduate Student Exhibition” at Harry Wood Gallery, 900 South Forest Mall on the ASU Tempe campus, through October 2. The free show’s hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, September 25. For more information, see art.asu.edu. Becky Bartkowski

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Tempe Art a Gogh-Gogh While First Friday dominates the sidewalks of downtown Phoenix (and the art-going public’s attention), we’re keeping an eye on the East Valley for the return of Tempe Art A Gogh-Gogh. Part art show, part concert, the large-scale curated event is an exercise in live performances: be it music from HotRock Supajoint or live art by Noodle and Haboobs, Dwayno Insano, and Rezmo, among others. A group exhibition featuring nearly a dozen artists, including Tato Caraveo and JB Snyder, is also on view.

Tempe Art A Gogh-Gogh takes over the corner of Mill and Southern avenues starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at Yucca Tap Room, 29 West Southern Avenue. There’s no cover for their 21-and-over show. Nearby, the aptly named and all-ages 51 West charges a $5 door entry. Free venues include Double Nickels Collective, Rocket Resale, and Sky High, which is 18-plus. For specific lineups, head to www.facebook.com/events/1493777270939582. Janessa Hilliard

The Tempest shakes up Brelby.

Shelby Maticic

The TempestShakespeare plays love themselves some shipwrecks: Twelfth Night, Pericles, The Tempest. Around the turn of the 17th century, that was a reliable way to get people to a strange new place unexpectedly, enabling cool plots. For Brelby Theatre Company’s The Tempest, directors Amanda and Dan Trombley addressed themes of today’s world as well. The dream-like story, full of powerful magic and even more powerful love, includes plenty of twists and turns.

On opening night, Friday, September 25, tickets are $30 and include a lovely gala and socializing with actors after the 7:30 p.m. show. Subsequently, through Saturday, October 17, tickets are $12 to $20. Get thee to www.brelby.com to purchase said ducats, or call 623-282-2781. Then hie thee to 6835 North 58th Avenue in Glendale. Julie Peterson

Egg on artist Jennifer Schlesinger's work.

Tilt Gallery/Jennifer Schlesinger

"Contemporary Explorations in the Albumen Process" It's not often that you hear art described as "mouth-watering," but that's just how Melanie Craven, a curators at Tilt Gallery, refers to the photographic work you'll see at the closing reception for Jennifer Schlesinger's exhibit, “Contemporary Explorations in the Albumen Process.” This process was developed in the 19th century and involves using egg whites to bind photographic chemicals to paper. The gallery focuses on spotlighting methods that are intriguing and historic. The venerable albumen process is appropriate for Schlesinger's work, which has a sense of timelessness.

The artsy, egg-y affair happens from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on September 26 at Tilt Gallery, 7046 East Main Street in Scottsdale. Call 602-716-5667 or visit www.tiltgallery.com. Amy Young

Jeff Alworth Book-Signing If there were ever a man on earth who ought to have a beer belly, it's Jeff Alworth. Yet, the renowned beer aficionado and best-selling author is surprisingly svelte. In August 2015, Workman Publishing released Alworth's comprehensive work, The Beer Bible, which comprises 600-plus pages of pure beer-drinking pulchritude. Beyond having written on of the world's most insightful books on brews, the Portlander also authors the successful blog, Beervana, and is currently working on Brewing the World's Classics: Advice from the Pros.

More importantly, Alworth will be on hand to discuss his work at Phoenix's Changing Hands Bookstore, 300 West Camelback Road, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. Over a few pints. of course. Visit www.changinghands.com or call 602-274-00067 for details. Rob Kroehler

The Storrs Objection A heckler is to a comedian as opposing counsel is to a lawyer — both try to disrupt the flow of a story or argument, throwing off their opponents. For a comedian, then, a heckler who’s also a lawyer would be a real dick. Local comedian and law school grad Matt Storrs is just such a nightmare. Known for fact-checking other comics’ material after their sets, his event The Storrs Objection gives him the opportunity to rebut comedians in the middle of a premise or punchline, disrupting timing and train of thought. And probably starting a fight or two.The Storrs Objection is sustained at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, September 26, at Space 55, 636 East Pierce Street. Tickets are $5 at the door. Visit space55.org for more. Zachary Fowle

Gong Meditation Look to the sky Sunday night and you’ll see a super-moon lunar eclipse — the first one in nearly three decades. One yoga studio is using the largest super-moon of 2015 as an opportunity to both purify and gain clarity through gong meditation.

Led by Emily Blanche, a veteran yogi with 20 years experience, the sound-based meditation is an exercise in deep relaxation focusing on clearing the mind of stress-related issues and promoting stronger, higher function.

The 75-minute meditation starts at 5 p.m. on September 27 at Sumits Yoga’s North Phoenix location, 350 East Bell Road, Suite 10. Participation in the session is $15 in advance and $20 day of event. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your own yoga mat. Visit www.sumits-yoga.com/northphoenix or call 602-688-6511. Janessa Hilliard

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SUCCESS!

Super HeroesFrom the triumphant horns of the Superman theme to the cartoonish voices in the opening credits of Adam West’s Batman, superheroes have inspired some of the most iconic music of the past 50 years. Now their songs are coming out of movies and TV screens and into the Phoenix Symphony. You won’t need super-hearing to recognize the themes from Spider-Man, Captain America, X-Men, The Incredibles, and more, but you should still come to this all-ages show dressed as your favorite superhero — you never know if the day may need saving.

Super Heroes fights for truth, justice and the American way 2 p.m. Sunday, September 27, at Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 North Second Street. Tickets start at $16. Call 602-495-1999 or visit phoenixsymphony.org for more. Zachary Fowle